Discover the Shoalhaven's rich Aboriginal history
The Shoalhaven is a unique natural and cultural environment with rich Aboriginal history playing a vital role in making this region so special. Discover more about the region or take a look at Aboriginal experiences below.
Booderee National Park
Booderee National Park is co-managed by the local Wreck Bay Community and Parks Australia. Visit Booderee Botanic Gardens or engage in cultural activities like camping stories, weaving and bushtucker in the school holidays.
There are many ways to engage with Traditional Owners of Wreck Bay when visiting Booderee. Paul McLeod (Jrumpinjinbah) of Wandian Wanderian Murramarang Tomikin shares dance, stories and art during his own workshops, and he also collaborates with Soul Advisor to deliver a variety of experiences such as on country healing, and Aboriginal astronomy. Get in touch with Bernie McLeod of Djungga Kultural Tours will guide you on bushwalk with bush food tasting.
Camping is in high demand so book early for a magical camping experience at Cave Beach, Bristol Point or Green Patch campgrounds. It’s recommended that you purchase your pass online before you head out, as reception can be limited.
On Country Teachings
Djiriba Waagura (meaning two crows) with Matt Simms offers tours in two locations; in Nowra Warigala Badha follows the Ben’s Walk Track alongside the Shoalhaven River, while the burriburri cultural experience follows the coast and whale migration, each visiting significant Indigenous sites and participating in bush tucker knowledge, and ancient stories.
In Huskisson, Raymond Timbery from Gadhungal Marring (saltwater people) offers a deep immersion into culture including smoking ceremony, dance, and mangrove walk with bush food knowledge. Engage in the cultural heritage of Wreck Bay, learn about tools and technology, hear ancient yarns by the camp fire and even explore at night.
Further South, you can indulge in a bush food and bush medicine walk with Budawang Elder (horticulturist and chef!) Noel Butler and Nura Gunyu (Swan Country) in the Budawang Ranges. Budawang Yuin man Felix Salmon from Bungalin, meaning Grandfather Sun, shares culture through on Country experiences and art, with regular tours through the coastal bushland alongside Narrawallee Inlet.
Bush Food
In Bomaderry, you’ll find a feast for your eyes as well as your belly at Mirritya Mundya, meaning Hungry Blackfish. Having trained with amazing Australian chefs, they specialise in ‘Indigenous Twist’ – wholesome homemade cuisine using native ingredients and infusing it with other cuisines in the form of grazing platter boxes, street food and and pop-up ‘Spirit Food’ dinners. The menu includes sweet and savoury, with low and slow smoked proteins, native bread and the signature Lemon Myrtle Blackfish.
Blak Cede Gunyah is an Aboriginal women-led social and cultural enterprise and café, located in the heart of Nowra, uses traditional foods from their Kareela Ngura community garden. Their delicious ‘Nyully’ includes coconut-lime crocodile pies and a specially roasted coffee to complement the traditional flavours.
Tours of the Land
Deepen your connection to the land by venturing out on a designated walking track. Stroll the One Track for All or call 02 4455 5883 to organise a guided tour along Coomee Nulunga Track with a local Aboriginal guide. The National Parks Discovery Ranger program also partners with Aboriginal community members who can guide you through Bomaderry Creek Regional Park. This is a very significant place in both recent and ancient history with interpretative signs, mosaics and a rich natural history.
Soulful Concepts offers Trek Yuin Country experiences with Traditional Owners Dean and Jess. These adventures provide cultural insights with hands-on workshops and will take you to three of the most scenic and challenging hikes through Morton National Park. The tours include a donation to local charity and have the option of transfers and accommodation included.
Aunty Deidre of Bugiya Naway Buridja walks the breathtaking White Sands Walk at Greenfield beach looping back around the scribbly gum walk, sharing tales, weaving and bush tea.
Traditional Arts
Traditional arts have been passed down through the generations and we are lucky to have local artisans sharing their stories with us. Giriwa Garuwanga Art Gallery is an Aboriginal owned and operated art gallery. Located at the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council (ULALC) office, the gallery features artworks and products for sale created by local artists. You will find traditional and contemporary art and canvases, boomerangs, clap sticks, Twisted Snake Designs clothing range, bags, towels, and more! You can also head to the northern part of the Shoalhaven and take a walk amongst the hand carved poles at Callala Beach and Crookhaven Heads.
